Head and Neck Brace is a solution to the difficulties involved with fallen head syndrome: it solves head fixation in the required position for safe food intake (mild flexion, head support) and at the same time it uprights body position (spine support).
Some neurological disorders are manifested by weakness of the extensor muscles of the neck, which causes inadequate kyphosis in the area of the cervical and thoracic spine (dropped head syndrome DHS). This creates problems with food intake and the risk of aspiration and swallowing disorders and an overall reduction in quality of life. One of the common causes of these disorders are neurodegenerative disorders – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Patients experience gradual progressive muscle weakness, including respiratory muscles. All this happens while maintaining mental abilities.
Head and neck brace – a device made of a combination of plastic and aluminum and textile cover, which on the principle of a splint attached and fixed to the head and torso maintains an upright position of the head and neck and stability of the spine. The system of attaching the brace to the body and head is secured with adjustable straps and velcro fastener. The upright position of the head reduces the risk of inhaling food and at the same time allows the user to perform normal daily activities (reading, writing, working on a PC, watching TV). Our device is easy to handle, easy to maintenance and it offers the possibility of individual production, directly according to the user’s instructions. Prototype testing took place both in hospital environment and at home.
The chin support collars used in practice stabilize the position of the head, but at the same time, they make it difficult to open the mouth and chew. The use of various positioning aids is also limited. Any other device that would ensure an upright position while maintain the ability to swallow and quality of life is not currently available on the market in the Czech Republic. Our device is intended for acute and follow-up care facilities, rehabilitation institutions, social care institutions and home environment. The device can be easily used both by professional medical staff and by caregiver in the home environment.
The development was supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic within the programme for applied research, experimental development and innovationGAMA 2 –Project TP01010034 – Centre for Transfer of Biomedical Technologies – PoC 2. Our solution is protected with Czech and Europan industrial design (EUIPO 8597157,Czech industrial design37908)and is also non-exclusively licensed to several prosthetic workplaces across the Czech Republic. Centre for Transfer of Biomedical Technologies aims to make the device available for as many patients as possible, and is therefore looking for other suitable manufacturers.
Intellectual property status
Other forms of protection
European and Czech Industrial Design registered
Current development status
Commercially available technologies
Desired business relationship
Patent licensing
University Hospital Hradec Králové is now one of the largest medical facilities not only in Eastern Bohemia but also throughout the Czech Republic. It is a state-of-the-art facility spanning a wide range of medical fields and serves as a catchment center for approximately 1,000,000 inhabitants from all over the Czech Republic.
More than 41,000 patients are hospitalized every year at the hospital’s 39 workplaces, which include 24 departments and over 1370 beds, with approximately 715,000 outpatients treated annually. The most complex surgical procedures are performed and modern diagnostic and treatment technologies are used. This makes University Hospital Hradec Králové comparable with similar hospitals in Europe.
University Hospital is an important research and educational institution closely connected with the Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové.
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